Quick answer: to see Christmas lights, wear warm layers in a color that pops at night (red, green, cream or a sparkly knit), comfortable shoes for walking, and a coat you can open in the car. A festive sweater or sweatshirt with jeans or leggings, a puffer or shacket, a beanie and gloves is the go-to. For a drive-through display, cozy loungewear is completely fine.
Walking a zoo lights trail, strolling a neighborhood famous for its displays, visiting a botanical garden glow event or doing a drive-through light show with hot cocoa in the cupholder: each needs a slightly different outfit. Here is what to wear for each, plus tips for looking great in night photos.
What to Wear by Type of Light Show
Walk-through trails (zoos, botanical gardens, parks)
You might walk a mile or two in the cold, often on paths, gravel or grass. Dress like you are going on a winter walk: a warm base layer, a sweater, a coat, warm socks and broken-in boots or sneakers.
Neighborhood displays and downtown light walks
Sidewalks, crowds and a stop for dinner or drinks. Go a little cuter: a festive knit, jeans or faux leather leggings, a plaid shacket or wool coat and ankle boots.
Drive-through light shows
You are in the car the whole time, so prioritize comfort. A matching Christmas lounge set, a cozy sweatshirt and slippers or sneakers are perfect. Keep a blanket in the back seat.
Fiery Red Merry Script Christmas Sweatshirt: red reads beautifully under string lights.
Christmas Lights Outfit Ideas
- Classic festive: a red "Merry" sweatshirt, dark jeans, a cream puffer and a plaid scarf.
- Sparkle date night: a tinsel or sequin top, black faux leather leggings, a long coat and heeled ankle boots (only for paved routes).
- Cozy plaid: a plaid shacket over a cream knit, straight jeans and lug-sole boots.
- Holiday dress: a velvet or tartan dress with fleece-lined tights, knee boots and a warm coat, great if you are heading to dinner after.
- Drive-through comfy: a matching Christmas lounge set and a hoodie. See our Christmas lounge set guide.
Plaid Hooded Shacket: a warm, easy layer over a festive knit.
How to Look Good in Christmas Light Photos
- Wear a solid, saturated color. Red, emerald, cream and white glow under warm lights; busy prints can get lost.
- Add texture or shine. Sequins, tinsel knits and velvet catch the light in photos.
- Skip head-to-toe black. You will disappear into the dark background.
- Stand close to the lights. They are your best fill light. Turn your face toward the display.
Merry and Bright Plaid Sequin Bow Mini Dress: add tights and boots for a light walk then dinner.
What Not to Wear
- Stilettos on trails. Gravel, grass and dark paths are a trip hazard.
- Your only warm layer being a sweater. Wind cuts through knits; bring a coat.
- Long trailing scarves near open fire pits at s'mores stations.
- Big tote bags. A crossbody keeps your hands free for cocoa and your phone.
Christmas Lights Picks
- Fiery Red Merry Script Christmas Sweatshirt – a red that glows in night photos.
- Fiery Red Santa Baby Tinsel Sweatshirt – tinsel lettering that sparkles under the lights.
- Merry and Bright Cable Knit Sweatshirt – a subtle green option.
- Evergreen Twisted Rib Merry Long Sleeve Top – a fitted base layer under a coat.
- Merry and Bright Plaid Sequin Bow Mini Dress – for lights then dinner.
- Red Green Tartan Plaid Flared Midi Dress – a classic holiday tartan.
- Plaid Hooded Shacket – a hood for wind and drizzle.
- Plus Size Red Sparkle Tinsel Sweater – sparkle in plus sizes.
Browse sweaters & cardigans, dresses and jackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to see Christmas lights?
Warm layers (a base layer, a festive sweater or sweatshirt and a coat), jeans or leggings, comfortable walking boots or sneakers, plus a hat and gloves. For a drive-through show, cozy loungewear is fine.
What colors look best in Christmas light photos?
Solid saturated colors like red, emerald green, cream and white, plus shiny textures like sequins, tinsel and velvet. Avoid all-black outfits, which disappear at night.
Can I wear a dress to see Christmas lights?
Yes. Pair a velvet, plaid or sweater dress with fleece-lined tights, knee boots and a warm coat, especially if you are going to dinner afterward.
What shoes should I wear to a Christmas light walk?
Flat, broken-in boots or sneakers with grip. Many trails are on gravel, grass or uneven paths in the dark.
What should I wear to a drive-through Christmas light show?
Anything cozy: a matching lounge set, a Christmas sweatshirt and joggers, or pajamas with a coat. Bring a blanket for the car.
